Job Description
Job Title: Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA)
Location: Knowsley, Merseyside
Reports To: IDSVA Manager
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Salary: £29,984.10 – £33,100 (dependent on IDVA qualification and experience)
Benefits: 6% employer pension contribution
Closing Date for Applications: 22nd August
Interveiws will take place on the 9th & 10th of September
Contract length: 3 Years with an opportunity to go to 5 years.
About The First Step
The First Step is a dedicated charity supporting victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. We provide safe, empowering, and trauma-informed services that help individuals regain control over their lives. We are currently seeking a passionate and experienced Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA) to join our team in Knowsley.
Job Purpose
As an IDSVA, you will provide short- to medium-term support and advocacy for clients assessed as being at high risk of serious harm or homicide from a current or former partner or family member. You’ll work directly with victims and survivors to assess risk, develop safety plans, and provide expert guidance across legal, housing, safeguarding, and criminal justice pathways.
You’ll also attend and represent clients at MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference), and work collaboratively with a range of agencies to improve client safety and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver proactive, trauma-informed support, information, and advocacy to high-risk victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
- Complete risk assessments using the Merseyside Risk Indicator Toolkit (MeRIT).
- Develop and implement individualised safety plans in collaboration with clients.
- Refer and represent clients at MARAC, ensuring their voice and needs are at the centre of multi-agency actions.
- Liaise with external agencies (e.g., Police, Social Services, Housing, Health, Legal Services) and advocate on behalf of clients.
- Provide support through civil and criminal justice processes, including attending court if necessary.
- Maintain accurate case records, produce reports, and support evaluation and monitoring processes.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, child protection, and confidentiality protocols.
- Use case management software to record support provided, monitor progress, and manage outcomes.
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Essential Requirements
- Proven experience supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, or other forms of violence against women and girls.
- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, risk assessment, and MARAC procedures.
- Strong advocacy, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
- Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Competent in using IT systems and databases.
- Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Desirable
- SafeLives IDVA qualification or equivalent.
- Experience working with high-risk clients in a multi-agency setting.
- Knowledge of the Knowsley or wider Merseyside area.
Additional Information
- Full training and ongoing development opportunities provided.
- Office-based role with some travel across the borough required.
- This role may occasionally involve out-of-hours support or flexibility depending on service user need.
The full job description is available on our website, including a full list of benefits.
To apply, please follow the link to The First Steps website and submit a completed application form through the online portal.
The First Step is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 36 months
Pay: £29,984.10-£33,100.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person